The Aloud Charity are delighted to have delivered a successful 2023 Only Boys Aloud Academi!
Following auditions earlier in the year, 23 Only Boys Aloud members from across Wales were selected to participate in the 2023 Academi programme.
Academi Residential
Between 21 and 27 July, we delivered a week-long residential course at Moreton Hall in Oswestry where Only Boys Aloud Academi members developed their skills and confidence through an intensive programme of rehearsals, training, and masterclasses!
The residential week commenced with general musicianship, sectionals, and individual singing lessons to provide members with 1-1 guidance and expert tuition.
Participants covered a range of repertoire including music by Purcell, Hoddinott, and Sondheim.
We were delighted to welcome our Youth Ambassador and Only Boys Aloud alumnus Callum Scott Howells to deliver a special musical masterclass for Academi members.
Callum worked with the group to explore how to develop a character and express emotion through song. Having recently performed the role of the Emcee in the award-winning musical Cabaret, Callum worked with the group as they prepared for their performance of a Cabaret medley.
Callum also shared his experiences with the boys through a fascinating Q&A session and provided inspiration on different career paths in the west end and what it takes to succeed at audition.
Cathedral Concerts
The Academi residential culminated in two exceptional concerts at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales and Llandaff Cathedral in South Wales. An audience of family, friends, supporters and the wider community came together to support the boys who performed to an audience of over 250 people.
We were delighted that our Only Boys Aloud choir members from South Wales attended the performance in Llandaff Cathedral where they performed alongside members of the Academi.
“I feel like I said goodbye to my boy last week and he’s come back a different, confident, excited, and very happy young man. That’s the true power of what The Aloud Charity does. Music is just part of the journey I’m so very proud”. Sara Jones, Parent of 2023 Only Boys Aloud Academi member.
Following their residential, the Academi boys are off to France where they will entertain an international audience as part of the Festival Interceltique de Lorient.
The Aloud Charity would like to thank the Trustees of the Mosawi Foundation for their generous and committed support for our Only Boys Aloud Academi. Without their passion and belief in the project, it simply would not take place.
“Being part of the 2023 Academi was a privilege, yet a very tough and intense week. It was amazing to see that the hard work had paid off with 2 performances in amazing venues. We grew close as a group over the week, new friends were made and we grew in confidence. It was great to have a masterclass from Callum Scott Howells and hearing about his experiences since being a member of the choir.” Joe Tucker, Only Boys Aloud Academi member
